The best way to find out whether constant barking or destruction is just boredom or true anxiety is to video your dog when he is alone.
This is easily done by putting a camera on a tripod and focusing it on areas where the destruction is worst or by the door that is used most regularly to come and go. If the barking, whining and destruction are very severe, particularly within the first 30 minutes of your departure, that is a good indicator that your dog is suffering some distress on separation. If however, your dog goes to sleep after you leave and then wakes up and barks or chews, the behavior is more likely to be due to boredom.
Once you have determined the cause of the behavior and established that your dog is just bored, how do you keep him entertained? The world is full of unemployed dogs that engage in very little activity and spend most of their lives on the couch. Even though most domestic dogs do not work for humans as they once did, their lives can still be enriched with activities, games, and exercise to prevent boredom, anxiety, and behavioral issues.
10 tips for preventing dog boredom:
- Change it up. For dogs who are comfortable in new environments, choosing a new route around the neighborhood or to the local park can help mix up his everyday routine. If your dog is worried in new environments, you can add novelty by bringing safe outside items into the home for him to sniff, rotating toys, or changing up meals with the addition of a safe new food.
- Break up the day. If your dog is home alone for long hours, consider hiring a qualified dog walker or (if appropriate) taking your dog to a reputable doggie daycare facility.
- Take a ride. If your dog loves the car, take her for a ride. This can be a convenient way to give your dog stimulation and get errands done at the same time.
- Play games. Hide-and-seek, fetch, Frisbee, and tug-of-war, find it, are all great games.
- Get sporty. From scent work to dock diving, dog sports challenge your dog mentally and physically and can help fearful dogs gain confidence. While not all sports are meant for all dogs, find one that both you and your dog can enjoy.
- Dogify your home. As a species, dogs dig, chew and shred, and many dogs crave outlets for these activities in our modern homes. You can minimize destruction and meet your dog’s needs by noticing what he likes to do and providing opportunities to do so on “legal” items. Provide him with a safe area where he can stay when unsupervised. Providing a sandbox to dig in, a long-lasting chew item or items to shred are all examples of how you might need your dog’s needs and save your couch.
- Have a spa break. If your dog likes to be touched, learn how to give him a doggie massage. Pay attention to where and how your dog enjoys being petted, every dog is different. Specific techniques, like T-Touch, can help guide you to ways to calm your dog through touch.
- Consider your dog’s ancestors. A dog’s breed or mix of breeds might help you find your dog’s specific abilities. Border collies might enjoy herding, Bloodhounds might love to track, and Greyhounds might enjoy lure coursing. While breed can be a good place to start, find what suits your dog's interests, even when they don’t fit the breed stereotype. Be open to your dog standing out from the crowd and having unique talents.
- Get social. Have regular social interactions with your dog as a family. For those extra social dogs who enjoy meeting strangers and strange dogs, organizing a regular dog walking group or setting up canine playdates can be another option. Keep your dog social and active by giving him plenty of interaction with those in preferred circles.
- Hire a Pro. Qualified positive trainers are experts at finding tailored solutions to help you and your dog enjoy one another and thrive in all different environments. Modern training is not limited to “obedience,” it focuses on teaching real-life skills, reducing “problem” behaviors, and allowing you to live your best life with your dog.
